Veterans Day is on November 11, 2020, and we are honored to recognize the veterans in our Darlington Community. Throughout the month of November, we’ll highlight our veterans in several blogs and on social media. We hope that you follow along this month and help us honor all of our veterans.
Today’s blog features experiences from parents of our current students.
Cedric Battle served as a Sergeant E5 in the United States Army from 1988 - 1996. He and his wife, Scharla, are the parents of fifth-grader Ryland Battle. Cedric shared that some of the most memorable moments while serving were combat jumps (airborne school), repelling out of helicopters (air assault school), traveling to a lot of different places (like Germany), making new friends with fellow soldiers, and serving his country in a time of war - Desert Storm. He said, “ I am proud to have served and protected my country.”
The late Jamie Desiree Ball served as Master-At-Arms for the United States Navy from 2003 - 2004. Jamie was the wife of Darlington alum Jon Michael Wade ('94) and the mother of pre-K student Astrid Wade. Jon Michael shared a quote from Jamie, “I love the Navy. I wish I never had to leave."
Alison Childers served in the United States Marine Corp as a Staff Sargeant from 2002 - 2007. In 2003, she served in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Allison and her husband, Robert, are the parents of fifth-grader Alex.
Scotty Hancock served in the United States Army from 1987 - 1994. Scotty shared, “I enjoyed my time in the military. I got to travel the world and made lifelong friends. Proud to serve!” Scotty and his wife, Ronda, are the parents of sophomore Gatlin.
Paul Parker served his country as a Lieutenant in the British Army from 1999 - 2005. While attached to the Household Cavalry Regiment in 2002, he served alongside United States forces in Bosnia when he was part of the MultiNational Division with US, British, Canadian, French and Italian forces. Paul shared that, “military service is demanding physically, mentally and emotionally, but it is the best and fastest way to develop and grow as a person.” He and his wife, Dusica, are the parents of junior Tijana.
Joshua Payne began his service with the United States Air Force in 2002. He currently serves as a Lieutenant Colonel and is deployed in the Middle East. Joshua and his wife, Danielle, are the parents of senior Owen and alumnus Ian (’18). He shared, “It takes a village to support those that support and defend our Constitution and our way of life. Darlington has been our village for the last three years. Forever grateful!”
Harry Pierce served in the United States Air Force from 1976 - 1980. He shared that serving in the military changed his life forever. “It really makes you proud to be an American!” Harry is the father of Olivia, Bronson (’13), and Victoria (’16). He and his wife, Terri, are the parents of sixth-grader Sara Jo.
Michael Schick served in the United States Army as a Staff Sergeant from 1982 - 1992. During his decade of service he was a Combat Engineer, and during three of the ten years he was honored to serve as a Drill Sergeant. He finished his time in the Army serving in Operation Desert Storm. Michael shared a story about a training class he took after leaving the military, where we worked to develop his life mission statement. He said, “as I dug through my history, my future desires, I arrived at my life’s mission, In Service Of Others. It is something that I think about each and every day. I purposely work to be in service to those around me. I share that because several times since 1992 when I left the service and with the invention of social media many soldiers have found me. The stories they tell me of how I influenced their life in such positive ways. It is humbling and helps me to remember that I did it right during my time serving our wonderful Country.” Michael and his wife, Linda, are the parents of junior Madison Schick.
Greg Sumner served as a Sergeant in the United States Army and Georgia Army National Guard from 1989 - 1994 and 1998 - 1999. He served during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm as a tanker on an M1A1 tank. Greg said, “it was one of the most rewarding and challenging times of my life.” He and his wife, Shani, are the parents of freshmen twins Peyton and Evan and senior Brinson.
Brian Talley served as a Staff Sergeant E6 in the United States Army from 2004 - 2014. Since 2014 he has been active with the National Guard. Brian shared, “it's always an honor to serve my country, especially by helping boost morale and inspiring patriotism in the public.” Brian is married to a Darlington alum Amanda Mize (’00). They are the parents of kindergartner Tallulah Talley.
If you are a veteran and haven’t had the opportunity to share your story and picture with us, please email alumni@darlingtonschool.org.
